Countries with the most violations of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Prof. Dr. Jorge R.
President of Academy of Public Policies & Ambassador at United Nations
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." However, unfortunately, not all countries adhere to this fundamental principle, leading to numerous violations of this basic human right. One country that has been widely criticized for its violations of Article 1 is North Korea. The repressive regime in North Korea has created a society where individuals are not treated as equals and are not allowed to freely express themselves. The government strictly controls all aspects of life, including access to information and freedom of movement. This has led to a society where certain individuals hold power and privilege while others are oppressed and marginalized. Another country that has a long history of violating Article 1 is Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, there are strict social hierarchies based on gender, religion, and nationality. Women are not treated as equals to men and face numerous restrictions on their freedom and autonomy. Religious minorities are also discriminated against and face persecution for their beliefs. Additionally, foreign workers are often exploited and denied basic rights, further highlighting the inequality present in Saudi Arabian society. In China, violations of Article 1 are also prevalent, particularly in the treatment of ethnic minorities such as the Uighurs in Xinjiang. The Chinese government has implemented policies that target and oppress these minority groups, including mass detentions, forced labor, and cultural suppression. This has created a society where certain groups are marginalized and denied their basic human rights, in clear violation of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights